is a MDS Center of Excellence necessary?

[debl]

My husband was diagnosed with MDS about one year ago. He is still in the wait-and-watch mode. We live in a city with an NCI-Designated Cancer Center. He went there for his 2nd opinion and now sees several doctors at this hospital. So far we are satisfied with his care. The doctors have discussed him initially starting on Vidaza and eventually having a BMT. From the information I have read I feel my husband is getting the appropriate care for his condition. But what if he isn’t? My husband is not really open to the idea of travel, more tests, more doctors, etc., which is why I haven’t really pushed him to get a 3rd opinion. Should an MDS Center of Excellence be considered for further evaluation?

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your post regarding your husband’s health. A second opinion need not mean that you’re changing doctors, however; if you and/or your local hematologist wish to seek the advice of another hematologist who has particular expertise in MDS, a second opinion can be very useful in helping you and your preferred doctor to fine-tune your treatment plan. The MDS specialist can work closely with your local hematologist, who would manage the daily aspects of your husband’s care. For example, you may obtain lab reports every week or every several weeks, and visit the local doctor every month while keeping additional appointments with the MDS expert either on a scheduled basis (for example, every 6 months), when changes in your disease course occur, or when changes in treatment are being considered.

[Author]

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